Follow Us

The Games

How many little boys in the world are saying right now, “I want to be like Michael Phelps!”? And for the first time in awhile, parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles can pat that little boy on the back and say, “You go for it!” Phelps is a fantastic role model for our youth.

I’ve really been enjoying the Olympics this year. Perhaps it’s because I didn’t really watch the Atlanta games from Japan. After my long days at the computer, writing my newsletters (almost done!), polishing my resume and researching jobs prospects, I shut the computer down at 8pm and treat myself to an evening in China, becoming an enthusiastic spectator at any of the competitions shown on TV.

When the United States won the Men’s 4x200m Freestyle Relay, I found myself up out of my chair jumping up and down. What terrific moment in Olympic history! The US earned the gold medal, smashed the world record AND taught the French not to talk smack! Ha! It was SUCH an exciting race!

After that specific win, the NBC reporter (What is that blonde woman’s name who asks all the dumb questions?), kept trying to get Michael Phelps to respond to the comment made by the French. But he wouldn’t. He remained diplomatic. Even before French anchor man Bernard got out of the pool, Phelps was there to pat him on the head and shake his hand. A great show of sportsmanship.

I’m totally cheering for Michael Phelps to get all the gold medals he deserves. What a stand-up young man and a great guy for our little ones to admire. Go Michael!

I realized last night at about midnight that I am totally addicted to the Olympics! I can’t seem to tear myself away from the television. My “office” is in the dining room anyway, and I can clearly see the TV from here, but I moved over to the couch last night for the primetime coverage, my Mac sitting right on my lap. I have so much to do! (Like get a job!)

I had to put my laptop down after awhile, because I kept jumping out of my seat to cheer for swimming. Way to go Michael Phelps! And how close did Dara Torres come to catching up to the Dutch swimmer? Wow! The women’s beach volleyball team got off to a great start. I love my J-people, but the Japanese team is just too short for beach volleyball. Kudos for effort

Earlier in the day I watched the US Men’s beach volleyball team get spanked by Latvia. At the beginning of the match, the announcers, one being my favorite volleyball player of all-time, Karch Kiraly, introduced the US team members like they were Gods walking onto the sand. “The Professor” and “The Thin Beast” are nicknames for Todd Rogers and Phil Dalhausser. Isn’t that slick. We love to do that in the U.S. I’m waiting for Michael Phelps to get the nickname of “The Fish” or “The Dolphin” or “The Undulator” or something ridiculous.

I wonder how cool “The Professor” and “The Thin Beast” felt when two unknown guys threw sand in their face. Latvia is ranked 23rd of 24 teams! Latvia absolutely dominated the game.

And so last night when Bob Costas previewed today’s coverage and began talking about “The Redeem Team” I had to turn off the television. The Olympic hopes of the US are no more special or fantastic than that of any other country, team or athlete competing. We Americans are really not that cool, and I wish that we wouldn’t build ourselves up so much and play into the hype created by the media. You don’t see other countries coining catchy names for their athletes. Why do we feel so compelled to do so?

Of course I am cheering for the US (and Japan when I can), but in some small way, I hope the “Redeem Team” is dealt a huge serving of humble pie. We might all get a taste. Maybe that would keep them (and us) from looking so stupid in the future. Or does our future hold a place for “The Supreme Team”? Blech. I hope not.